About the AuthorGeorge Pickett served for more than four years in the United States Marine Corps prior to joining New York City’s Fire Department in 1969. He served in some of the busiest units in FDNY’s history, and worked extensively in Manhattan’s lower east side. Assignments included working in the ranks of firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, and acting battalion chief. George worked in Engine 17 for a short period when they responded to almost 10,000 calls in one year. He became the captain of Engine 17, located in the "Fort Pitt" fire station, an area that saw tremendous structural fire duty. He was decorated five times for life-saving acts, and was injured over a dozen times during performance of his duties.